Did you know there are 50,000 electrical fires in the U.S. each year? Electrical fires are one of the top causes of fires in the country. We see too many electrical fires, but fortunately, many of them are preventable.

November to March, when we all spend more time indoors, is the peak for electrical fires. That means now is a good time for you to make changes to protect your home and your family.

Tips for Electrical Safety

Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of electrical fires:

Appliances

● Plug large appliances (washers and dryers, refrigerators and stoves) directly into an outlet.

● Unplug small “hot” appliances (coffee makers, irons, toasters, hair dryers, etc.) when you aren’t using them.

● Don’t plug a bunch of appliances into one outlet. Only use one appliance in each outlet.

Light Bulbs

● Make sure light bulbs match the recommended wattage on the lamp or light fixture.

● Check for a sticker on the light fixture or lamp to find the correct wattage.

Cords

● Replace any cracked or damaged cords.

● Don’t run cords under carpets or rugs. They can overheat.

● Don’t overload extension cords. Only use them as a temporary fix.

● Use one long extension cord instead of connecting multiple extension cords together.

● Never use an extension cord with a space heater. Most extension cords can’t handle space heaters and the outlet can overheat, causing a fire.

Outlets

● Replace damaged or broken outlets and outlets with burn or smoke marks

● Don’t force plugs into outlets or remove the third prong on a plug so it fits into a two-prong outlet

Hire an Electrician

If you have the funds, consider hiring an electrician to:

● Install extra outlets where you need them or replace damaged outlets

● Replace outdated and worn out electrical wiring

● Put in arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to shut off electricity in dangerous conditions

● Install ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electric shock

Make sure to use a qualified electrician for all of your electrical work.

The Best Defense: Smoke Detectors

Of course, be sure you have smoke detectors throughout your home in case a fire does happen.

Have you made any changes to make your home safer? Share the steps you’ve taken in the comments!

Sources: U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA

Powerful Ways to Prevent Electrical Fires